The Atlanta Falcons have had a roller-coaster season through the first 15 weeks, and things only appear to be getting worse. After losing two straight games to NFC South opponents, the Falcons are in full panic mode.
Head coach Arthur Smith has become public enemy No. 1 as the team continues to spiral. Atlanta made yet another quarterback change on Tuesday, benching Desmond Ridder in favor of Taylor Heinicke for the second time this season.
While the fans have been critical of Ridder, many feel Smith is scapegoating his young quarterback in an attempt to save his job. Here’s how fans on Twitter reacted to Smith’s latest QB change.
Arthur Smith single-handily ruined this team this year. We were #1 in the division & had an easy schedule. The conversation surrounding the Atlanta Falcons should be COMPLETELY different w/ all the weapons we have. But we have a coach who puts his players in the WORST position 🤬
— V I C K Y ⚡️ (@vckywitdablicky) December 18, 2023
If Arthur Blank is undecided on Arthur Smith’s future and uses this final 3 games to make his decision he’s still doing it wrong.
Smith has 48 games of data.
2021 – 18.4 ppg – w/Matt Ryan
2022 – 21.5 ppg
2023 – 18.4 ppg after 3 straight top 10 picks48 games – 19.5 ppg
— Matt Chernoff (@RealMattlanta) December 19, 2023
Just go into a game with a lot of plays designed to get your best playmakers the ball despite extra attention instead of trying your best to use them as decoys to get your 3rd TE wide open. https://t.co/VQYPqchqR2
— Ted Nguyen (@FB_FilmAnalysis) December 19, 2023
The fact that he’s done this TWICE is more of an indictment on him than it is on Ridder lol https://t.co/6A43GThgkk
— Ev Glaze (@Everett_G07) December 19, 2023
Arthur Smith really said that we won’t be playing musical chairs at QB just for him to bench Ridder and start Heinicke then unbench Ridder and now bench him again.
This screams desperation. I’m so done with him. It’s time for you to go Art, respectfully. https://t.co/Rz89CiKdtY pic.twitter.com/uPfPMvcXKg
— Carrie (@carrielynnxox) December 19, 2023
The issue with Art Smith is that his game-plan lacks consistency.
Drake London erupts for 10 catches and 172 yards in week 14. The next week — his target share is only 15%?
How can that happen?Unfortunately for him, it’s his inability to demonstrate any level of conviction…
— Cam Marino (@MarinoNFL) December 19, 2023
Why tf was I so excited? Why did I lie to myself this way? https://t.co/LEpglkmbVs
— 🥘FLEEK🥘 (@RonRikoszn) December 19, 2023
Arthur Smith lost all credibility as the coach with how poorly the offense has preformed this year (costing us vital games), how he has handled the QB situation as a whole and the inability to consistently use our last three top-ten draft picks to their full potential.
— Chapman Maddox (@chapmadd) December 19, 2023
lol that they weren’t ready for a QB and that Arthur Smith willingly trotted out Desmond Ridder for games so I’d imagine he doesn’t know squat about QB evaluation https://t.co/qary9HY1zC
— 🎅🏽 Jolly Damski 🎄 (@Damski32) December 19, 2023
Our guy @randymac81 summed up Desmond Ridder’s time as QB in Atlanta perfectly: You hold the fate of the franchise, the players and the fans in your hands when you have the rock. You can’t turn it over. And all he did was turn it over. #dirtybirds
— Chris Thomas – Turtle (@CThomasRadio) December 19, 2023
1-8 Cards Team
1-12 Panthers Team
No playoff Titan Team QB first start
Josh Dobbs didn’t no teammates team
The commanders who’s last in the EastLike that’s free money on the floor and lost it😂😂😂never seen a schedule so easy and we pissed it away should be 11+ win szn
— MR.2TIME💔 (@1Siah_) December 19, 2023
Give me Eric Bieniemy at HC with either Justin Fields or Jayden Daniels at QB! https://t.co/WW7MCuJVek
— Full-Time Dame 💰 (@DP_NFL) December 19, 2023
Also please stop with the Justin Fields talk. It’s a rampant fan and national narrative but if the Falcons really liked Fields they would have drafted him. The fact they didn’t should tell you something.
— Jeff Schultz (@JeffSchultzATL) December 19, 2023
Agreed. Teams shouldn’t be able to acquire any player they didn’t draft. Doesn’t matter when it was either. Mahomes hits the market? Don’t think so, Mickey Loomis – you had your chance https://t.co/eC0aZCFEx7
— Andy (@AndySGallagher) December 19, 2023
Feels like we don't know what to do anymore. So Ridder gets sacrificed.
Ridder has not been good, but he doesn't deserve to be scapegoated like this.
— TD (@NFL_FalconsTD) December 19, 2023
When and with what team will Desmond Ridder have his Drew Lock game? Hope he gets his chance. I’m not even mad about the game now, I’m ready for Sunday ❤️🖤
— Tish ❤️🖤🏈 (@tish________) December 19, 2023
remember when a*thur s*ith said the starting QB didn’t need to play in preseason lmaoooooooooooooooo
— kelsey orr (@kelseytayorr) December 19, 2023
If changing QBs will get Arthur Smith fired, then so be it
— A M B E Z Y (@bezy_bby) December 19, 2023
Our guy @randymac81 summed up Desmond Ridder’s time as QB in Atlanta perfectly: You hold the fate of the franchise, the players and the fans in your hands when you have the rock. You can’t turn it over. And all he did was turn it over. #dirtybirds
— Chris Thomas – Turtle (@CThomasRadio) December 19, 2023
With the news that Heinicke will return as our starting QB, how many wins will the Falcons get during the remainder of the season? #dirtybirds 🔴⚫️
— ATL Falcons UK 🇬🇧 (@ATLFalconsUK) December 19, 2023
Sat this man in preseason like he was an established veteran. pic.twitter.com/GHuu24vIUw
— K (@projectjax) December 19, 2023
I hope Desmond Ridder gets with a team/coach that will actually develop him. And instead of trying to fit him into his system. But instead for his system into what Ridder does well. And y’all want THIS coach to get another rookie QB. 🤦🏾♂️ Wow #dirtybirds
— Rogers.Den (@Stillncrj1) December 19, 2023
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